Refrigerant drier



Feb. 17, 1959 E. JONES REFRIGERANT DRIER Filed Oct. 3, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 /9 w 3/ +3 g W 9 Z7 19 6 /Z Z /6 49 36 6 IN V EN TOR.

I fi/Z/ZX WM m Fb. 17, 1959 E. JONES REFRIGERANT DRIER 2 SheetsSheeT. 2

Filed Oct. 3, 1956 INVENTOR. [0am Jonas;

United States Patent lice REFRIGERANT DRIER I Evan Jones, Evanston, Ill., assignor to Henry Valve Company, Incorporated, Melrose Park, 111., a corporation of Illinois W Application October a, 1956, Serial No. 613,782

12 'Claims. or. 210-291 The present invention is directed to an improved form of refrigerant drier which utilizes a molded type of dehydrant block element mounted within a casing through which refrigerant is passed for the purpose of filtering and dehydrating the same. More specifically, the present invention is directed to dilferent forms of refrigerant driers each utilizing an improved type of dehydrant block which is received and positioned within the casing of the drier assembly itself or within the casing of a cartridge type element insertable within a drier assembly in a new and improved manner which results in a simplified construction of efficient functioning.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of refrigerant drier assembly and/or cartridge of uncomplicated construction which includes the provision of a molded dehydrant block inserted within a casing and beingheld at one end thereof by suitable means fixed relative to the casing, the casing having additionally received therein discrete dehydrant material which substantially surrounds the. block and acts to position and. support the same within the casing in spaced relation with respect to the inner surface thereof.

A further object is to provide an improved form of re frigerant drier assembly and/ or cartridge insertable-within a drier assembly of uncomplicated construction which utilize a relatively small number of parts to provide etficient refrigerant drying and-filtering action, the drier assembly and/or cartridge being readily and economically manufactured and being of low cost design adapting the same for use as a throw-away unit thereby eliminating the necessity of maintenance.

Other objects not specifically set forth will becom apparent from the following detailed description made in conjunction with the drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a vertical section of an improved refrigerant. drier assembly incorporating the principles of the present invention, the block element forming a part thereof being partially-sectioned;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken generally alongline 5 22 of Fig. 1; I

Fig. 3 .isa perspective of the improved form of dehydrant block for use in the drier of the present invention;

Fig.4 is a vertical section of an improved refrigerant driercartridge, the block element forming a part thereof being partially sectioned; and

Fig. 5 is a vertical section of an improved refrigerant drier assembly utilizing the cartridge of Fig. 4.

In Figsvl and 2 an improved drier assembly is illustrated as being formed from a sleeve-like casing 10 of annular shape being closed at its ends by end closures 11 and 12 received thereabout. Each of the end closures 11' and 12 are identical in design and are each formed from a cap-like annular body portion 13 having a circumferentially continuous, axially extending flange 14 which isspun over theouter edge ofan end of the casing '11! to fix the .e'nd closures 11 and12 against dis placement therefrom. Each of'the end closures 11 and portion 19 formed integral with the flange portion 14.

The inner surface of the shoulder portion 19 of the end closure 11 clamps the peripheral edge portion of an annular screen disk 20 against the end of the casing 10 with which the end closure 11 is associated. The shoulder portion 19 of the end closure 12 clamps a screen disk 22 and an annular collar member 23 against the edge of the casing 10 associated therewith. The peripheral edge portion of the collar 23 which is clamped between the screen 22 and the end surface of the casing 10 is defined by a radially directed circumferentially continuous flange 24. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the inner edge of the annular flange 24 is formed integral with a frusto-conical portion 25 which in turn is integral with a centrally located, flat annular portion 26. The inner edge of the flat annular portion 26 is formed integral with an axially directed annular sleeve portion 27 which is tightly received in wedged relation within an axially directed bore 28 of a molded dehydrant, block-like element 29. The fiat annular portion 26 of the collar 23 engages an inner annular portion of a radial end surface end of the bore 28.

As particularly shown in. Figs. 2 and 3, the outer longi-' tudinally extending surface .of the molded dehydrant block 29 is provided with. a circumferentially continuous series of axially extending, parallel, arcuate ribs 30 which provide a substantially increased surface area to the block 29 to provide for increased volume of refrigerant passing therethrough during the dehydration of the refrigerant. The central bore 28, as shown in Fig. 1, terminates short of the free endof the block 29 withinthe casing 10. The free end of the block 29 is substantially spaced from the screen 20. Still further, the longitudinally extending outer surface of the block 28 defined by the ribs 30, is positioned within the casing 10 in spaced relation to the inner surface of the same.

To centrally position and support the block 29 within the casing 10, discrete particles 31 of dehydrant material are received within the casing 10 and completely fill up the space between the radial free end surface of the block 29 and the screen 20. Still further, the discrete particles 31 fill the space between the longitudinally extending outer ribbed surface of the block 29 and the inner surface of the casing 10. The positioning of the discrete particles 31 intermediate the outer surface of the block29 and the inner surface of the casing 10 allows these particles to centrally position and support the block 29 within the casing 10 thereby maintaining the spacing of the block 29 out of contact with the inner surface of the casing 10. The end of the block 29 to which the collar 23 is attached is supported by the collar by reason of the peripheral flange portion 24 being clamped by the end closure 12 relative to-the associated end of the casing 10. However, the remaining portion of the block 29 received within the casing 10,- being of substantial mass, is supported and spaced away from the inner surface .of the casing 10 by the positioning of the discrete particles ofdehydrant material 31 about substantially the entire outer surface of the block 29. In this connec-- tion the groove-like portion defined by the outwardly expanded. frusto-conical portion 25 of the collar 23 is also filled with discrete particles 31 "of dehydrant material;

In using the-drier assembly of Figsrl3,'-refrigerant Patented Feb. '17, 1959.,

flows through the bore 17 of the nipple of the end closure-11 through the screen 20 and into contact with the substantial mass of dehydrant particles 31 positioned between the screen 29 and the particle supported end of the block 29. The refrigerant is then free to flow inwardly through the particle+supported end of the block 29 into the central bore 28 thereof. Refrigerant is also free to flow in anaxial direction along the outer surface of the block 29 and, in doing so, will contact a considerable surface area by reason of the provision of the arcuate ribs 30. At any point along the outer longitudinal surface of the block 29 the refrigerant may flow inwardly through the porous material forming the block 29 into the bore 28. Regardless of the direction offiow of. any. particular quantity of refrigerant, it will contact a substantial amount of desiccant or dehydrant particles 31 and will ultimately flow through a portion of the block 29 thereby being further contacted with dehydrating material. The dehydrated refrigerant will flow outwardly of the bore 28. through the sleeve 27, through the screen 22 andout of the drier through the bore 17 in the nipple 16 of the end closure 12.

7 It will be noted that regardless of the point at which a quantity of refrigerant enters the pores of the block 29 in flowing toward the bore 28, the distance which the refrigerant flows through the material of the block 29 is substantially the same. In this connection the innermost end of the bore 28 is spaced from the particlesupported end surface of the block 29 a distance approximately equal to the distance in a radial direction from the bore 28 to the outerlongitudinal surface of the block 29. Consequently, a considerable active dehydrating area is provided by the particular construction of the block 29 and the manner in which it is positioned and held within the casing 10. Only a relatively small surface area of the block 29 is incapable of being contacted by the refrigerant being dehydrated and this area is that portion of the held end of the block 29 which is in engagement with the flat annular portion 26 of the collar 23. By providing. the collar 23. with the frusto-conical portion. 25, the outer peripheral. end face portion of. the block 29 is exposed to contact with refrigerant which flows the entire length of the block. 29 into the groove-like portion defined by the expanding of the collar 23 away from the outer peripheral portion of the held end of the block 29. The increased refrigerant contact surface area provided by the fluted design of the block 29 and the manner in which the block is mounted within the casing 10 provides increasedfilter area permitting greater filter capacity. Still further, regardless of at which point a quantity of refrigerant. enters the block 29, the-distance which the quantity travels through the pores of the block before it reaches the bore 28 is substantially the same throughout the entire block. With these advantages the drier is capable of dehydrating a large quantity of refrigerant at a fast rate without the establishment of. an excessive. pressure drop. Any suitable type of desiccant material may be used in. supplying the discrete. particles. 31 and the block 29. Material of. this nature includes anhydrous calcium sulfate, activated alumina, silica gel, etc.

In Fig. 4 a cartridge type element incorporating the principles of the present invention is illustrated as being formed from a cylindrical casing member 33 of cylindrical. shape being provided with outwardly expanded ring-likeportions defining longitudinally andcircumferentially spacedbeads 34 for positioningthe cartridge within adrier assembly as will. subsequently be. described. Received. within one end of the casing 33. is the. annular collar-member 23. previously described, the radially directed continuous flange 24 of. which. is. suitably fixed relative. to theinner. surface of the casing 33.. The flange portion 24 may be force-fitted within the. casing 33, soldered or attached in any suitablemanner. to the inner surface. of the casing, 33..s.o long. as the. collar. 23 is: fixed against movement. relative to the casing 33.. As pre viously described, the annular sleeve portion 27 is tightly received in wedged relation within the axially directed bore 28 of the molded dehydrant, block-like element 29. The flat annular portion 26' of the collar 23 engages the inner annular portion of the radial end surface of the block 29 surrounding the outwardly opening end of the bore 23.

The outer longitudinally extending surface of the block 29, being provided with the fluted portions 30, is positioned within the casing33 in spaced relation to the inner surface of. the same. Discrete particles-31 of dehydrant material are received within a casing 33 and completely fill up the space between the. radial free. end surface of the block 29 and a flanged perforated disk 35 telescopically received within an end of the casing 33. The perforated disk 35 functions in the same manner as the screen 20 described in connection with the drier assembly of Figs. 1-3. The outer periphery of the perforated disk 35 has integrally formed therewith an axially directed annular flange 36, theouter surface of which is suitably fixed relative to the inner surface of the casing 33.

The end of the casing 33 having received therein the collar 23 also receives a flanged disk-like screen 37 provide-d with an annular axially directed flange portion 38 which is fixed relative to the inner surface of the casing 33. A pull tab 39 is clamped between the flange portion 33 and the casing 33 and is freely available for grasping when it is desired to remove the cartridge from the outer casing or housing of a drier assembly of the type to be. described in Fig. 5.

The cartridge of Fig. 4 is assembled by fixing the disk.- like screen 37 with the. pull tab 39 in place within one end of thecasing 33 and inserting the combined block 29. and collar 23 within the casing 33. Upon. proper positioning of the block 29-within the casing 33, the discrete particles 31 of dehydrant material are inserted to fill the space provided therefor about the block 29. The perforated flanged disk 35 is then inserted so as to cover the. open end of the casing 33. The cartridge of Fig. 4- is a throw-away type. adapted; for use in a permanent, type of drier assembly, one. form of which is illustrated. in Fig. 5.

The drier assembly of Fig. 5. includes a longouter casing or housing 41 of cylindrical shape being provided at one end thereof with an. annular flange ring 42 fixedly attached to the outer surface thereof. The ring 42 is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced drilled apertures which are aligned with drilled apertures inthe outer peripheral portion of a cover plate 43. A series of bolts 44 extend through the aligned apertures of the flange ring 42 and cover plate 43 and the latter is clampedto the end of the casing 41' by a series of nuts 45. A gasket 46 is received within an annular groove. portion carried by the cover plate. 43 and is clamped thereby in sealing, engagement with the radial end surface of the casing. 4L and the flange ring 42.

The inner surface of the cover plate 43 isprovided with a flat annular shoulder portion 47 against which rests one end of a coil spring 48, the other endof which is in abutment with a radially directed portion of an annular collar 49 formed. integral with a perforated cylinder 50 received within the spring- 48. The collar 49 is. further provided with an axially directed ring. portion. 51. which rides against the inner surface of the casing 41. and is movable relative thereto.

As illustrated. in Fig. 5, an outlet. fitting 52 is received through. a portion of the casing; 41. and. suitably fixed thereto. Received within the. casing 41 are two. cartridge elements of the. type described inFig. 4. The. cartridge elements, are positioned in. end-to-end. relation. with. the disk-like screen37 of the cartridge nearest the safety cylinder 50. opening into the interior of the safety cylinder 50. Intermediate the adjacent ends of the two cartridge elements. is. a spacer gasket 53 which is of resilient material to cushion: any relative movement between the associated cartridge elements and at the same time allow the carend of the casing 41 has received thereabout an end cap 54 provided with an outer axially directed flange portion 55 which is suitably attached to the outer surface of the end portion of the casing 41. An annular gasket 56 is pressed between the inner surface of the end cap.54 and the outer portion of the screen 37 of the adjacent cartridge element. Thus, the end cap 54 tightly clamps the aligned cartridge-elements within the casing 41 in fixed relation. I

In the use of the drier assembly of Fig. 5, the end .cap 54 is used as the inlet for the drier assembly with the refrigerant flowing from right to left as viewed. The refrigerant flows through the axially aligned cartridge elements and into the safety cylinder 50, through the perforations in the same and out of the casing 41 through the outlet fitting 52. The safety cylinder 50 functions to prevent discharge of broken or loose solid particles from the assembly in the event of rupture of any of the parts such as the adjacent screen 37. With the coil spring mounting of the same, the safety cylinder 50 resiliently holds the assembled cartridges in place.

The drier assemblies and cartridge element of the present invention are of uncomplicated construction and certain forms of the same are readily adapted for use as throw-away products thereby eliminating the necessity of .regeneration with its accompanying maintenance costs. The drier assemblies and cartridge are readily assembled during themanufacture thereof and the discrete particles 31 of desiccant material not only function to dehydrate the refrigerant flow but further position and support a substantial portion of the dehydrant block 29 within the various casings. With this type of arrangement, the dual functioning of the discrete particles 31 results in the provision of an efiiciently operating drier of low cost construction. The particular design of the dehydrant block 29 adapts the same for low cost manufacture by molding.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A refrigerant drier comprising a sleeve-like casing having inlet and outlet closure members, a rigid porous dehydrant block of substantial relative length in said casing held at one end thereof in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing by means fixed relative to said casing, and discrete dehydrant material within said casing and substantially surrounding said block, said discrete dehydrant material positioning and supporting the remainder of said block particularly the other end thereof within said casing in spaced relation to the inner surface of said caslng.

2. The drier of claim 1 wherein said closure members are perforate screen-like members.

3. A refrigerant drier comprising a sleeve-like casing having inlet and outlet end closures, said end closures being in the form of caps received about the ends of said casing and each being provided with an axially directed nipple, a rigid porous dehydrant block of substantial relative length in said casing held at one end thereof in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing by means fixed relative to said casing, and discrete dehydrant material within said casing and substantially surrounding said block, said discrete dehydrant material positioning and supporting the remainder of said block particularly the other end thereof within said casing in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing.

4. A refrigerant drier comprising a sleeve-like casing having inlet and outlet closure members, a rigid porous dehydrant block in said casing held at one end thereof in spaced relation to the .inner surface of said casing by means fixed relative to said casing, said block extending axially within said casing from the end thereof holding the same to a point short of the remaining end of said casing, and discrete dehydrant material filling the remainder of said casing and substantially surrounding said block, said discrete dehydrant material positioning and supporting the remainder of said block particularly the other endthereof within said casing in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing.

SL The drier of claim 4 wherein said closure members are perforate screen-like members.

' 6. A refrigerant drier comprising a sleeve-like casing having inlet and outlet end closures, a rigid porous 15' dehydrant block of substantial relative length in said casing held at one end thereof in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing by means fixed relative to said casing, said means being in the form of a collar vhaving an axially directed sleeve received within an ax1-' ally extending bore of said block, said collar bein'g clamped between an end closure and said casing, and discrete dehydrant material within said casing and substantially surrounding said block, said discrete dehydrant material positioning and supporting the remainder of said block particularly the other end thereof within said casing in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing.

7. A refrigerant drier comprising a sleeve-like casing having inlet and outlet closure members, a rigid porous dehydrant block of substantial relative length in said casing held'at one end thereof'in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing by means fixed relative to said casing, said means being in the form of a collar having an axially directed sleeve received within an axially extending bore of said block, said collar being clamped between an end closure and said casing and having a circumferential peripheral portion thereof expanded away from the end face of said block to define a groove-like area exposing a portion of the end face of said block for contact with the refrigerent, and discrete dehydrant material within said casing and filling said groove-like area, said discrete dehydrant material positioning and supporting the remainder of said block particularly the other end thereof within said casing in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing.

8. The drier of claim 7 wherein said closure members are perforate screen-like members.

9. A refrigerant drier comprising a sleeve-like casing having inlet and outlet end closures, a rigid porous dehydrant block of substantial relative length in said casing held at one end thereof in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing by means fixed relative to said casing, a transversely positioned screen-like member at each end of said casing and clamped thereto by the associated end closure, and discrete dehydrant material within said casing substantially surrounding said block, said discrete dehydrant material positioning and support ing the remainder of said block particularly the other end thereof within said casing in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing.

10. A refrigerant drier comprising a sleeve-like casing having inlet and outlet end closures, a rigid porous dehydrant block particularly the other end thereof in said casing held at one end thereof in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing by means fixed relative to said casing, said means being in the form of a collar having an axially directed sleeve received within an axially extending bore of said block, said bore extending from the held end of said block and terminating short of the remaining end thereof, said collar being clamped between an end closure and said casing, the outer surface of said block being provided with a circumferentially continuous series of axially extending parallel arcuate ribs, and discrete dehydrant material within said casing and substantially surrounding said block, said discrete dehydrant material positioning and supporting the remainder ofsaid block within said casing in spaced relation to the inner surface of said casing.

11. A refrigerant drier cartridge comprising a, sleeve: like casing having inlet and outlet perforate, screen-like closure members, a rigid porous dehydrant block in said casing held at one end thereof in spaced relation to the inner, surface of said casing by means fixed relative to said casing adjacent one of said closure members, said means being in the form of a collar having an axially directed sleeve received Within an axially extending bore of said block, said bore extending from the held end of said block and terminating short, to the remaining end thereof, said collar. having a circumferential peripheral portion thereof expanded away from the end face of said block to define a groove-like area exposing a portion of the endv face of said block for contact with refrigerant, the outer surface of said block being provided with. a circumferentially continuous series of axially extending parallel arcuate ribs, said block extending axially within said casing from the end thereof holding the same to a point short of the remaining end of said casing as defined by the other of said closure members, and discrete dehydrant material within said casing and substantially surrounding said block, said discrete dehydrant material positioning and supporting the remainder of said block within said casing inspaced relation to the inner surface of said casing and further filling said groove-like area.

12. A refrigerant drier comprising a sleeve-like casing having inlet and outlet, end closures, said end closures being in the. form, of caps receivedabout the ends of said casing and each being provided with an axially 8 directed nipple, a transversely positioned screen at each end of said casing and clamped thereto by the associated endi closure, a rigid porous dehydrant block in said' casing held atone end thereof in spaced relation to'the inner surface of said casing by means fixed to said casing, the outer surface of said block being provided with av circumferentially continuous series of axially extending parallel arcuate ribs, said block extending axially within said casing from the end thereof holding the same to at point short of the remaining end of said. casing, and discrete dehydrant material within saidv casing and substantially surrounding said block, said discrete dehydrant material positioning and supporting the remainder of said block within said casing in spaced relation to the inner surface of said, casing, said means being inthe form, of a collar having an axially directed sleeve received, Within an axially extending bore of said block, said bore extending from the held. end of said block and terminating short of the remaining supported end thereof, said collar being clamped between an end closure and said casing and having a circumferential peripherial portion thereof expanded away from the end face of said block to define a groove-like area exposinga portion of, the endface of said block for contact with refrigerant and receiving discrete dehydrant material therein.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,199,258 Gray Apr. 30, 1940 2,365,149 Anderson Dec. 19, 1944 2,781,912 Newcum Feb. 19, I957 

